Hotel Latino

The family was so kind and welcoming, and I'd stay here again. As an American traveling on a budget, I felt safe here on my own. Everything was an easy walk, including the bus stops.

For $14 I had a single room, cheaper than a dorm bed at nearby hostels. Check-in was smooth, and the guy spoke Spanish and let me leave my bag at 10am. The room was easy to sleep in, with a good temperature, no bugs, and not too much noise. They provided a towel and soap. The shower has no hot water, which is normal here. Someone said it's a long walk upstairs, but it's only two flights, one to reception and another to the rooms. Some rooms are on reception's level, and either way it takes just seconds to go up. The location and price can't be beat. More people should stay here!

The rooms are bare, with hard beds, no windows or ventilation, and no soundproofing. You can hear the bar and other guests, so bring earplugs. I liked the artwork on the doors, though. The hotel is on 1st avenue between 1st and 2d street, above the bar. It's very central, about a 5-minute walk to Museums and one block from pedestrian Central Ave. I felt it was safe because everyone has to pass security above the bar, so bar patrons can't enter the hotel. It's hard to find if you don't know San Jose Center or speak Spanish. Nobody speaks English, but they have a phone translation app.

You can't beat the price for this hotel. If you come up the stairs and there's nobody there, call out and wait a few minutes. It's a good hotel.